Grand Rapids teacher reassigned after swatting a student who pinched her

GRAND RAPIDS — A Lincoln Developmental Center teacher is being transferred after she inappropriately swatted a 10-year-old special needs student who pinched her, an administrator said.

Grand Rapids Public Schools spokesman John Helmholdt said the teacher, who he would not identify, returned to work Wednesday after being placed on leave after the Oct. 10 incident. Helmholdt said the student's family objected to the teacher returning, and the district has agreed to transfer her to a different building.

"The child pinched her hard enough to leave a black and blue mark, but the administration believed her response to be inappropriate, and took proper disciplinary measures," he said.